Mercedes has been tempting its followers with a number of new enhancements. While each upgrade raises hopes for a turnaround, the consequences have mostly been disappointing. However, Brackley’s technical staff has failed to fix the fundamental issue. As a result, the W15 F1 vehicle is no longer contending for first place. In sharp contrast, their customer, McLaren, constantly outperforms and wins podiums.
The F1 car development war becomes more fierce as the season goes on. Even a minor error might jeopardize the German marque’s recovery hopes, so the crew is prepared to deploy another improvement ahead of the Canada challenge. While the team is not hoping for a ‘miracle,’ Lewis Hamilton has voiced his excitement ahead of the Canada GP.
Mercedes Targets Podium Finish Following Incremental Improvements
The start of the season was disappointing for the Silver Arrows, as they were far behind teams like Red Bull, McLaren, and Ferrari. The team consistently struggled to gain momentum, and every upgrade pushed them further behind. Moreover, the biggest issue was their F1 project, similar to a puzzle. Whenever the team tries to fix one problem, another pops up, making the entire situation feel like a game of ‘Whac-A-Mole. However, after grappling with these issues for a while, the team is heading towards stability—or so claim the team principal and drivers. The Miami GP was disappointing as the car was severely Off-pace. Later, ahead of the Imola GP, the team introduced a mega upgrade package. Since then, the team has been looking in better condition as they try to compete with the ‘elite teams.’ Moreover, the team’s head is high for the upcoming Canada GP, as the minor and consistent tweaks could propel them to the front.
Ahead of the impending Ferrari move, Lewis Hamilton is desperate to perform better for Mercedes. However, despite a constant tussle, the Briton’s best finish was P6 at Imola. Moreover, the seven-time world champion is confident for the upcoming weekends. He believes the team’s small steps are heading in the right direction and that they will soon reap the rewards. During an interaction before the Canada event, Hamilton said the car is improving, and we’re inching closer to the table-topper Red Bull. Further, he lauded the technical team’s persistent efforts to improve the W15. Moreover, Hamilton believes the podium finish is within touching distance after consistent improvement.
Lewis Hamilton: Car Still ‘Too Heavy’ Despite FIA Update
Formula One has reduced the weight of the car for the upcoming seasons. The change would make the F1 cars more agile. However, Hamilton thinks the authority could have gone further to reduce weight.
The Brit said it is only 30 kilos (66 lbs), which is still heavy. Therefore, Hamilton feels that although the FIA is moving in the right direction, it should be more radical in this matter. Moreover, this is a solid step for sustainability, which is the priority for FIA. Notably, the weight of the cars would come down from 798 Kg to 768 Kg. Thus, there is a hope for more reduction in the future.
